Room bookings held up last summer, while others suffered an Olympic effect of the usual, largely English, clientele staying away.

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Thanks to the Olympic effect on central London, though, I was able to grab a canceled booking recently, giving me a chance to reassess.

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The ONS said that beyond the effect of ticket sales, it was hard to put an exact figure on the Olympic effect, although it cited increased hotel and restaurant activity in London as well as strength from employment agencies.

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It said revenues were down 14.7%, citing the "challenging economic environment" and the effect of the Olympic Games coverage on the advertising market for the drop.

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When it comes down to it, if an organization places restrictions that limits the way it engages with the public, such as the ones placed on the Olympic athletes, it will eventually have an adverse effect on the brand over time, gradually making it less relevant.

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Gryner also said Rio was unlikely to suffer from the "ghost town" effect that blighted central London during the current Games, as non-Olympic visitors stayed away, fearful of transport chaos and long lines.

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